Newton's Second Law
The law stating that net force acting on a body equals the rate of change of its linear momentum, simplified to mass times acceleration for constant mass.
Governing formula
F_net = m a
SI unit
N
In depth
Acceleration is directly proportional to net force and inversely proportional to mass. This fundamental equation forms the cornerstone of classical dynamics.
Examples in the real world
Pushing an empty shopping cart produces much higher acceleration than pushing a heavily loaded cart with the same force.